North West has highest rate of scarlet fever which is caused by Strep A bacteria

Video report by Tim Scott

The North West has the highest rates of scarlet fever in England - an infection linked to the deadly Strep A bacteria, new figures have shown.

The data, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), shows the North West has 13 cases per 100,000 residents in the latest 10-week period recorded, with 957 cases in total.

Scarlet fever is caused by the same bacteria that can lead to invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS), which has claimed the lives of nine children in the UK.

Figures show the North West also has an iGAS rate above the national average.

Strep A usually causes mild illnesses such as strep throat or scarlet fever, but on very rare occasions the bacteria becomes iGAS and can get into the bloodstream and attack the organs.

Rates of iGAS are now four times higher than usual among children aged one to four.

A five-year-old girl from Northern Ireland is the ninth child to die from illness linked to the Strep A infection since September. Seven children in England and one child in Wales have also died.

Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health in Liverpool says the region is seeing a larger number of patients than usual with "nasty bugs circulating in the community" as a result of less social mixing due to the Covid pandemic.

Video: Prof Ashton explains when to ring 999 when Strep A causes breathing problems

Symptoms of scarlet fever

  • A sore throat

  • Headache

  • High temperature

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Fine red rash, typically first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body.

  • Older children may not have the rash.

  • On more darkly pigmented skin, the scarlet rash may be harder to spot, but it should feel like 'sandpaper'.

Step A Credit: PA

Symptoms of iGAS (invasive form of Strep A)

  • Fever (a high temperature above 38°C)

  • Severe muscle aches

  • Localised muscle tenderness

  • Redness at the site of a wound.

Parents are being advised to contact their GP or get medical advice straight away if they think their child has any of the signs and symptoms of iGAS disease.

Alder Hey Hospital Credit: PA

Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool says it is seeing its "highest ever" admissions into A&E over parents concerned about Strep A.

On Monday 5 December, more than 300 children attended A&E, with the hospital reporting it was seeing four times as many patients compared to recent years, along with flu levels higher than normal this year.

A gofundme page has raised more than £22,000 for the family of four-year-old Camila Rose Burns, from Bolton who is fighting for her life in Alder Hey hospital after contracting Strep A.

A fundraising page has been set up for Camila, who has Strep A, and was described as "the poorliest girl in the whole of England". Credit: Family picture

There has been a sharp rise in infections in schools, where children are catching the virus.

At a primary school in Cheshire, the attendance is the lowest it has been all year.

Leighton Academy says there are around 40 children off sick and with either scarlet fever or Strep A symptoms and chicken pox. They also have a number of staff off with Strep A symptoms.

The school received updated guidance from the UK Health Security Agency and has already taken precautions by reintroducing covid style measures including sanitising and extra cleaning of classrooms to kill the virus.

They are encouraging children to practice good hand hygiene.

Confirmed case of Strep A as child treated with antibiotics

Last week, the UK Health Security Agency issued a rare alert warning parents of the signs to look out for.

Anyone who believes their child is suffering with the illness is advised to contact NHS 111 or their GP immediately.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To know...